As some of you regulars know, I've been active in following a number pilot programs the New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission has initiated to buttess the feasibility of accepting credit cards in NYC (yellow, medallion) taxicabs. There are currently 275 taxis equipped with credit card meters. During the first two pilots, I managed to get credit card cabs equipped three times. In all three instances, I was ultimately not able to pay my fare with a CC. Either there was no cellular coverage, the equipment was broken, or the driver simply didn't know how to operate the meter. We're now in the 3rd pilot and things are a little different. In the last several months, I've managed to flag down at least half a dozen cabs with CC meters. In all cases, I was successfully able to pay with my American Express card. The equipment is much more reliable and cellular coverage is denser in the New York area since 9-11. The last couple of rides however, I encountered drivers who lied and said the equipment wasn't working. Both times I pretended to have no cash and insisted they try it again; otherwise, they'd simply be out of luck. Not surprisingly, the equipment magically came back to life and I was able to pay. At this juncture, I think the TLC needs to amend the rules to take into account credit card transactions. If a driver lies about the status of his meter, because he doesn't want to bother with credit cards, the fine should be substantial. If the equipment is indeed broken, the fine for that should be similar to having a broken air conditioner. As New Yorkers well know, Yellow cabs are kept in repair and the drivers kept in line, only by strict enforcement of the rules and draconian fines. Unfortunate as it may be, but that's the only thing that's proven to work. Cheers, AC
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